GILGIT, Dec 6: The Gilgit-Baltistan Council unanimously approved on Friday the Protection of Pakistan Bill in a session presided over by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his capacity as chairman of the council.

The bill provides for speedy trial of criminals involved in acts of terrorism and other heinous crimes like kidnapping for ransom and sectarian killing.

The prime minister praised security agencies for arresting suspects in the Nanga Parbat case and directed the Gilgit-Baltistan government to set up a special court for their speedy trial.

He announced that a special police force would be established to provide security along Karakoram Highway and in the region.

The council also passed its budget having an outlay of Rs826.6 million.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Birjis Tahir presented the budget in which Rs325m had been allocated for development projects and Rs501.6m for non-development expenditure.

Prime Minister Sharif announced that several projects would be undertaken to ensure socio-economic uplift of Gilgit-Baltistan. They include a cardiology centre.

Addressing PML-N workers in Gilgit on Friday‚ he said the people of the region would enjoy an improved service by the Pakistan International Airlines after new jets were inducted into its fleet.

He said the proposed economic trade corridor from Kashgar to Gwadar would benefit Gilgit-Baltistan.

The prime minister inaugurated a terminal at Gilgit airport, laid foundation stone of a 15MW power project in Naltar and took an aerial view of Attabad Lake.